Sporting complex divides

THE approval of a controversial sports association lease has divided Southern Downs councillors and the community amid fears the move could come at a long-term cost to ratepayers. Fierce debate over the Stanthorpe Sports Association’s lease at the McGlew St Sporting Complex was ignited in last week’s Southern Downs Regional Council meeting.

The previous lease included annual rent of $3000 and several special conditions outside SDRC’s general lease policy, which resulted in about $400,000 since 2015.

Councillors Ross Bartley, Cynthia McDonald, Stephen Tancred, and Marco Gliori had to declare a conflict of interest with the lease renewal vote.

Councillor Andrew Gale pushed for a five-year renewal with an option for a further five years at an annual rent of $3369.

Debate continued for hours as councillors weighed up whether the expense was fair in comparison to SDRC’s lower overall investments in other clubs. The lease renewal was narrowly voted through subject to conditions.